THE indirect dangers of smoking cannabis and their potential costs have been largely overlooked by policy-makers, research claimed today.

THE indirect dangers of smoking cannabis and their potential costs have been largely overlooked by policy-makers, research claimed today.

As the Government prepares to downgrade the drug from class B to class C, a study sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council highlighted many more risks other than simply those to smokers' health.

Driving while under the influence of cannabis, working after taking the drug or having unprotected sex were highlighted as indirect dangers caused by the substance which could affect users.

Dr Philip Terry, from the University of Birmingham, said these risks may be just as significant as the health dangers linked to cannabis.

The study of 100 regular and 90 casual users of cannabis found 74% admitted getting into their cars while under the influence of the drug. This was despite 70% saying they believed that using it had impaired their driving ability.

Among the frequent users, 41% thought it was acceptable to drive while under the influence, compared to 19% of occasional users.